Project Assistant - New York

Sidley Austin LLP; New York (NY); On-site; USD 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Sidley Austin LLP in New York City seeks an entry-level Project Assistant to support Attorneys and Paralegals in several practice groups. The role involves organizing files, performing non-legal research, and assisting with project work to help lawyers manage their caseloads.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree and strong interpersonal and written/verbal communication skills, plus excellent organization and discretion.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong research skills and ability to use various research tools.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Ability to protect confidentiality and exercise discretion.

Responsibilities

• Organize electronic and paper files.
• Perform non-legal research using a variety of research tools.
• Maintain integrity of client files and data.
• Assist Attorneys and Paralegals with practice-specific projects.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

MS Office

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Research skills

Analytical thinking

Team work

Discretion

Confidentiality

Proofreading

Prioritization

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Outlook

Word

Excel

Job description

Please note that this opening is for immediate hire. To be considered, applicants must currently hold a bachelor’s degree. Candidates who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree are encouraged to monitor our annual Project Assistant recruitment, which typically opens in the spring. Sidley is seeking Project Assistants to join our New York office. The Project Assistant is an entry-level position that supports Attorneys and Paralegals in certain practice groups and involves contact with Attorneys, Paralegals, members of the Paralegal Department and other professional staff. The role is designed to give individuals who are interested in attending law school the experience of working in a law firm. For candidates who have not yet decided if they will attend law school, it provides an opportunity to explore, train for and develop a career as a paraprofessional in a large law firm.

Duties and Responsibilities

Responsibilities consist of a variety of billable and non-billable tasks, including but not limited to organizing electronic and paper files, performing non-legal research using a variety of research tools, maintaining the integrity of client files and data and assisting Attorneys and Paralegals with practice-specific projects.

Education and/or Experience

Required: Bachelor's degree

Other Skills and Abilities

• Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Firm software (e.g. Outlook, Word, Excel) with the ability to learn new software and operating systems
• Excellent organizational skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Strong research skills and proficiency in using various research tools
• Excellent analytical, troubleshooting and problem solving skills
• Self-starter who shows ownership and commitment to the position
• Ability to work harmoniously and effectively with others and as part of a team
• Ability to work well independently as well as effectively within a team
• Ability to assume progressive responsibilities within assigned work as experience is gained in the position
• Ability to organize and prioritize work
• Ability to work well under pressure and under tight deadlines
• Ability to use discretion and exercise independent and sound judgment
• Ability to handle sensitive matters and maintain confidentiality
• Ability to handle multiple projects and shifting priorities
• Ability to work well in a demanding and fast-paced environment
• Ability to preserve confidentiality and exercise discretion
• Ability to proofread accurately
• Ability to follow Firm and Department prescribed policies and procedures
• Log a minimum of 1650 billable hours annually
• #LI-EC1

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship, now or in the future. The target salary range for this role is: $60,000 if located in New York. Salaries vary by location and are based on numerous factors, including, but not limited to, the relevant market, skills, experience, and education of the selected candidate. Our compensation package also includes bonus eligibility and a comprehensive benefits program. Benefits information can be found at Sidley.com/Benefits. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the Duties and Responsibilities above satisfactorily and meet the requirements. The requirements listed above are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. If you need such an accommodation, please email [e-mail] (current employees should contact Human Resources). Sidley Austin LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Sidley is an elite global law firm with a known reputation of deploying innovative strategies to achieve powerful results. Business professionals are essential to the firm’s ability to deliver the highest quality legal services to our clients. We are always looking for talented, motivated individuals who thrive in a performance-driven culture to join our team. We encourage you to explore current openings and check back for future opportunities that align with your skills, experience, and career goals.

Sidley employs approximately 2,300 lawyers working with our clients in complex transactional, restructuring, crisis management, investigation, regulatory, and litigation matters. Our 160 years of perspective and reach are truly global, supported by 21 offices strategically situated in key commercial, regulatory, and financial centers across the world. Our lawyers and business professionals, fluent in more than 75 languages, possess the cultural awareness and cross-border legal acumen needed to bring clarity to a dynamic business landscape.